The world seeped into Warner’s awareness. First there was just an awareness of being, then of touch. He was on his back. He tried to remember where he was, but could not. He became aware of soft machine sounds. He smelled chemicals and sweat. He heard a voice, a man’s voice, mumbling to itself, and opened his eyes. The light caused him to shut them again and groan.

Footsteps approached. The voice spoke to him, “You are waking. Much faster than normal, as expected. How do you feel?”

Warner squinted, letting his eyes adjust to the light. The man leaning over him came into focus. He looked very familiar. Warner felt like he should know the man’s name.

“Don’t worry. It’s normal to feel disoriented. You’ll come around shortly,” the man smiled down at Warner.

Warner tried to talk, but only a gurgle came out. He cleared his throat. It sounded…wrong. He tried again, “Who are you?” And the voice sounded wrong, too.

The man smiled down at Warner, “Why, I’m you…or really, you are me.”